Gorge scrambling

Seeing some of Britain's most beautiful waterfalls, rivers and pools from the most absurd angles as you scramble your way either up or down a mountain river course. This pursuit is also commonly known as "ghyll scrambling", after the northern word for a narrow mountain stream, which originates from the Old Norse word "gil".

Going up, you'll have waterfalls gushing down next to you and white water splashing against your face and under your feet. Going down, you can sit and slide as you're carried (not too speedily) down the rapids. Happily, there are different types of gorge with heights and water speeds to suit every age and ability. Once you've got the hang of it, you can try tricks like pool jumping, flume sliding and river damming (getting soaked in the process is de rigueur).

What's the buzz?

Climbing with the river as a companion, surrounded by the noise and angry energy of fast-flowing water. You jump across boulders, traverse along rock walls, and plunge into, er, plunge pools where the suddenly much deeper water takes a breather and stillness briefly reigns.

Thrill a minute?

It needn't be too hectic - guides will choose less turbulent rivers and ghylls for, say, families seeking a gentler thrill. As part of the trip offered by Adventures Activity Centre in south Wales, you get to explore caves and dark caverns for that extra buzz(!). Gorge scrambling is offered as a half-day activity in the Lake District, but you can mix it with rock climbing for an intense full-day experience.

Adrenaline peak

Waterfalls - whether scrambling up them or standing under them (a wondrous experience). Climb365 instructors in the Lake District pull you up from the bottom of the waterfall, but as instructor Stuart explains: "The climbing aspect is fun, but often people just enjoy hanging there in the waterfall."

Where to do it

Gorge scrambling is a great way of re-engaging with the Lake District; you're up high, gazing out over a stunning variety of water features in the brief moments you're not clinging to a rock or battling the rapids. For a particularly spectacular waterfall set in a deep gorge, head to Stickle Gill (another acceptable spelling) on the slopes of the Langdale Pikes. Windermere-based Climb365 offers scrambles in and around the Langdale and Coniston valleys, while Summitreks operates in Coniston. The Adventures Activity Centre is based in Porthcawl.

Who can do it

Some organisations offer scrambles for children as young as seven and family groups, too (typically, up to eight people per instructor). You don't need to be a great swimmer because you will be wearing a buoyancy aid, but you should be confident amid all that water.

What to take

If you've got walking boots, use them, otherwise trainers with a good sole. Wear a jumper and a waterproof/windproof jacket, as the sites are often exposed. Bring a towel, a change of clothes and swimsuit for under your wetsuit.

Typical prices

Half days in the Lakes start at about £35 per adult, if there's a group of four or more. A day of ghyll scrambling and rock climbing might cost £300 for a group of eight. Adventures Activity charges £42.50 each for a full day.

Impress your pals

Britain's biggest gorge is Cheddar Gorge in Somerset. The oldest complete skeleton was discovered there in 1903, having been buried for 9,000 years. There is, however, no evidence that the deceased died while gorge scrambling.